The 2 Johnnies Podcast

The 2 Johnnies, Johnny Smacks and Johnny B, dressed up as their farmer characters Tom Doorley and Jerry McCarthy

On all Irish podcast charts, the 2 Johnnies are in the number one spot. The two well-known Tipperary men’s weekly podcast has been a hit ever since they started with their producer Maura Fay (formerly of the Irish Farmers Journal) over two years ago. Their mix of comedy, whacky characters, insightful discussions and listener interaction is a winning combo. If it’s a pick-me-up you’re looking for, look no further.

The David McWilliams Podcast

David Mcwilliams. \ Rita Slattery

A lot of people switch off when they hear the word “economics”, but David McWilliams and his co-host John Davis do an exemplary job of making economics accessible through this podcast. They also succeed in making economics enjoyable and interesting, which is no mean feat – we’re joking, of course! But in all seriousness, if you’re interested in a bit of analysis and opinion on current affairs, this is a great option.

A Hurler’s Life

With no GAA action at the moment, a lot of people are missing their fix and hurling aficionados need to get on this one ASAP. The premise is pretty simple, but very effective; host Brian Carroll chats with a different former hurling great each week about their hurling career. From Jackie Tyrrell to Anthony Daly and John Mullane, some of the game’s big names have been on. Brian himself is a hurling analyst on RTÉ Radio and a former Offaly hurler.

The Laughs of Your Life with Doireann Garrihy

Doireann Garrihy.

When Doireann Garrihy started this podcast, the market was already becoming quite flooded, and really to be successful you needed to do something to set you part. That she did. Doireann interviews her guests through the prism of laughter, from their first memory of laughter to the “If I didn’t laugh I’d cry” moments.

Given her showbiz contacts, the 2FM presenter has had a string of celebs on, including Mary Kennedy, Donncha O’Callaghan, Blindboy and Francis Brennan.

I’m Grand Mam

Although Kevin Twomey and PJ Kirby have lived in London for years, their Cork accents are as distinctive as ever. The premise of this podcast is the shared struggle every gay man deals with when living abroad, “What would Mam think?” Their podcast is conversational. The two lads are having a cuppa and a chat as they catch up each week, discussing the life landmarks that accompany growing up gay in today’s world, with a trademark sense of humour. A couple of weeks ago, they had Normal People star Paul Mescal on, which significantly boosted their profile.

  • Don’t forget The Irish Farmers Journal has a weekly podcast that can be accessed on www.farmersjournal.ie. It is uploaded on Wednesday and is available on iTunes and Spotify.
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